When people think about breast cancer, they usually picture women. But men also have a small amount of breast tissue, which means they too can develop breast cancer though it is far less common.
Male breast cancer often goes unnoticed because of the general belief that “men can’t get it.” This delay in awareness and diagnosis can lead to more advanced stages by the time it is detected. Early education is essential so men know the risks, symptoms, and available treatments.
How Common is It?
Male breast cancer is rare but not unheard of.
- It represents about 1% of all breast cancer cases worldwide.
- In the U.S., around 2,800 men are diagnosed every year, with about 510 expected deaths in 2025.
- A man’s lifetime risk is approximately 1 in 726, compared to 1 in 8 women.
Although the numbers are small, the impact on individuals and families is significant. Awareness can improve survival because early detection usually leads to better outcomes.
Why Men Can Get Breast Cancer
Men and women are both born with breast tissue. While women’s breast tissue develops fully, men retain a small amount under the nipple. This tissue can undergo cancerous changes just like in women.
Key Risk Factors for Men
- Age—Most diagnoses occur between 60 and 70 years of age.
- Genetics—Inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes raise risk dramatically, especially BRCA2.
- Family History—Having close relatives with breast cancer increases likelihood.
- Radiation Exposure—Men who have had chest radiation for other conditions are more vulnerable.
- Hormonal Imbalance—Conditions that raise estrogen, such as Klinefelter syndrome, obesity, cirrhosis, gynecomastia, or hormone therapy, increase risk.
- Race and Ethnicity—Studies show Black men are more likely to develop breast cancer and face poorer survival outcomes than White men.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch For
Since men are not routinely screened, self-awareness is the most effective first step. The following symptoms should not be ignored:
- Lump or swelling beneath the nipple, usually painless.
- Changes in skin around the breast: redness, dimpling, puckering, flaking, or the nipple turning inward.
- Nipple changes: pain, retraction, or unusual discharge.
These signs can be mistaken for infections or benign conditions. However, if any of these symptoms appear, it’s best to consult a doctor immediately.
How Breast Cancer in Men Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis follows a structured process:
- Physical Examination—Doctors check for lumps and changes in the breast or nipple area.
- Imaging Tests –
- Ultrasound for men under 25.
- Mammography or digital tomosynthesis for older men.
- Biopsy—A sample of tissue is tested in the lab to confirm cancer.
The most common type found in men is invasive ductal carcinoma. Around 80% of cases are hormone receptor–positive, meaning they grow in response to estrogen or progesterone. This is good news, as it makes hormone therapy an effective treatment option.
Treatment Approaches for Men
Though research is limited, men generally receive the same treatment options as women with breast cancer. Treatment depends on cancer stage, tumor type, and overall health.
Surgery
- Mastectomy: Complete removal of breast tissue, the most common approach in men.
- Breast-Conserving Surgery: Less common but possible in very early cases.
Radiation Therapy
Often recommended after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells. Because men have less breast tissue, doctors may use radiation more readily to reduce recurrence.
Systemic Treatments
- Hormone Therapy: Most male breast cancers respond to hormones. Tamoxifen is prescribed for 5–10 years to block estrogen’s effect.
- Chemotherapy: Used for advanced cancers or when tumors are aggressive.
- Targeted Therapy: Modern drugs can attack specific cancer cell mechanisms.
- Immunotherapy: In select cases, it helps boost the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Prognosis and Survival Trends
Survival depends largely on how early the cancer is detected:
- Stage-for-stage, men have similar survival rates to women.
- The challenge is that men are usually diagnosed at later stages (III or IV) because of lack of awareness.
- Unlike women, who have benefitted from decades of breast cancer research and improved survival, male outcomes have stagnated.
The main reason: men are rarely included in clinical trials, and fewer awareness campaigns target them.
Why Awareness Matters
Breast cancer in men is often surrounded by stigma or disbelief. Many men delay seeking help because they don’t think they could be affected. Breaking this myth is important.
Steps Toward Awareness
- Know the symptoms and act quickly if changes occur.
- High-risk men (BRCA mutation carriers, those with strong family history, or chest radiation history) should ask their doctors about early screening.
- Encourage openness: Talking about breast cancer in men helps reduce stigma.
- Support more research: Men should be included in clinical studies to improve treatment options tailored for them.
Conclusion
Male breast cancer may be rare, but it is real, treatable, and potentially curable when diagnosed early. The key lies in awareness, timely medical consultation, and appropriate treatment.
If you notice a lump, nipple discharge, or skin change in your chest area, don’t dismiss it. Seeking medical advice immediately can make the difference between late-stage discovery and early, life-saving treatment.
At Orange Tree Clinic, we encourage men to take charge of their health because breast cancer doesn’t just affect women.